How to choose the right mountain shoe
Thanks to the help and advices of the professional mountain guide Harald Fichtinger, we try to understand how to choose the perfect mountain boot and find the one that best suits our needs and activities. On the market we find a wide selection of footwear, which we will divide and explain according to the activity to which they are dedicated:
The mountaineering shoe is perfect for tackling rocky climbs, frozen paths and Via Ferrata. It has a characteristic very rigid sole with good friction, equipped with a specific part for climbing. The shoe should be as light as possible, as it will be worn all day during activities and have waterproof characteristics. The design is very simple. In addition, mountaineering shoes offer the option of mounting different types of crampons depending on the type of surfaces you will be climbing.
Approach shoes should offer a wide variety of features. They are used for the approach to the rocky walls to be climbed and for the Via Ferrata. They are therefore shoes that have a solid structure but at the same time are made of light materials, since they will have to be hung on the backpack once the climbing begins. The shoe is extremely functional even to tackle the first easy climbs, so the sole must have good friction and at the same time not be excessively rigid, to avoid straining the walk. In addition, shoes in this category have waterproof properties. Normally, approach shoes have a low cut, but there’s the possibility to find also medium cuts.
Suitable for less vertical and demanding sections, the hiking shoe is the perfect solution for a pleasant walk in the mountains. The fundamental aspect is represented by comfort, as they will be worn for the whole day. It’s essential in this case to find the right size and width according to the foot. Most hiking shoes are waterproof and breathable. They are not rigid, and have a medium or high cut, to protect the ankles. For the more experienced, however, accustomed to this type of terrain, there’s the option of also having a low cut. The lightness in this case can be secondary, in fact the lighter the shoe, the less resistant it is, usually. Therefore, in order to use the shoe for as long as possible, you should opt during the choice for a model that has better quality leather on the outside and with a front rubber protection to protect the foot and the shoe over time.
Backpacking is very similar to hiking, but involves walks lasting several days. For example, walk for several days or weeks with a backpack, with different weather conditions and different types of terrain. In all this, the shoe must resist and offer lasting comfort. In fact, the shoes in this category have soft soles with super suspensions, which accompany the walk supporting the weight of the backpack. The shoe should be waterproof and breathable, with an upper made of quality leather to resist over time. Normally they are in medium or high cut to protect the ankles and make up for the tiredness that will advance after five-six days of walking.
